Bulgarias Parliament Approves New Government End Months Coalition Talks 2025 01 16
Reuters6 days
Bulgaria Confirms New Government Led by Prime Minister Zhelyazkov
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Above: Bulgaria's new Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov of the GERB party and his newly elected cabinet members are sworn in at the Bulgarian Parliament building in Sofia, on Jan. 16, 2025. Image copyright: Nikolay Doychinov/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Bulgarian lawmakers elected GERB party leader Rosen Zhelyazkov as prime minister on Thursday, with 125 votes in favor and 114 against, following seven elections in four years.
The new permanent government will be supported by a coalition including the center-right GERB party, the pro-Russian Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), and the There is Such a People party, with external support from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF).
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The appointment of Prime Minister Zhelyazkov and the new coalition administration is a positive step forward, reflecting stability and a commitment to effective governance. Zhelyazkov's focus on restoring confidence and delivering results from day one is commendable. With broad parliamentary support, Bulgaria is poised to advance economic growth and strengthen its European integration efforts.
Establishment-critical narrative
Despite the government's formation, popular belief in real change is limited. Despite breaking parliamentary gridlock, GERB's ideological incompatibility with the MRF and BSP casts doubt on the new government's long-term future. With the likelihood of significant judicial or anti-corruption reforms appearing minimal, it is clear that politicians are only focused on maintaining power rather than addressing systemic issues.
